Jump, Jive and Wail

I jumped out a plane yesterday. On purpose. It was the most terrifying thing I have ever done. A lot scarier than swimming with sharks.
In all of these photos I looked scared to death, don't I? :)

Here are some specs: we jumped from 14,000 feet. The guy who jumped with me is named Eddie and I think he's certifiably insane. We did a free fall for 60 seconds (9,000 feet). At 5,000 feet Eddie pulled the rip cord and we floated to the ground. I was supposed to pull the rip cord but when you are falling 9,000 feet you can't really think straight, so he pulled it for me. Thank God!
The free fall was absolutely the scariest thing I have ever felt. The wind is pushing up at you so hard that it's difficult to breathe, it sort of feels like you are drowning. Eddie did a couple of spins while we were free-falling, which made me think I was going to throw up. But I didn't. Thank God!
But when he opened the chute it was really beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky and I could see everything so clearly. And it's really quiet when you are 4,000 feet in the air. That part was very beautiful and peaceful.
It took awhile for the adrenaline to ease out of my blood stream. For the next 30 minutes my heart sort of hurt and it was beating so fast it felt like it was going to jump out my chest. But then it slowed down and I crashed from the adrenaline high and I got very sleepy, really fast. So Kurt drove us back to the city and I napped for about 30 minutes.
It took about 2 1/2 hours to get all the knots out of my hair. My recommendation for any future jumpers, do not put pomade in your hair and then jump 14,000 feet. It will get tangly.
This morning both of my shoulders and back are very sore. I think it's from where I was strapped in and when he pulled the rip cord we jerked pretty hard.
Battle wounds. :)
Wowzers. I can now check that off of my list of things to do. To recap the list:
1) swim with sharks (check!)
2) skydive (check!)
3) chase a tornado


Awesome job guys! (There were about 10 of us that jumped that day!)
Thanks to Kurt for being the photographer!

Klutzy

Kurt and I made the mistake of leaving the house on Saturday morning. While playing softball I got a line drive to the ankle and a grounder popped up and smacked me in the mouth. What a lovely fat lip!
Kurt got a little road rash from chasing me down the sidewalk. (I did taunt him though, so I take some blame for that.)

Question of the Day

I want to know your opinion on this, so please post it in the comments section.

Is there ever a time/moment when it's good to be selfish? Does being selfish ever bring about good?

My mom said that since she married Jerry she doesn't have to be selfish. She focuses on Jerry's needs and he focuses on her's. Both of their needs are met and neither of them are selfish.

What do you guys think?

For Kurt

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

- e.e.cummings


(a photo of the night we met)
i <3 you

Hodge Podge

I took this photo while on my way to work this morning. I'm glad I'm not the only person who stops to not only smell the flowers but also to photograph them. Chicago in springtime is beautiful.

Also, yesterday I researched the history of the phrase "Fisticuffs" (which beforehand I had been saying "Fist to Cuffs"), here's what I found:
The word "fisticuffs" dates back to the early 17th century, combining "fistic" (related to fighting with the fists) and "cuff" which (still) means a punch. Fisty cuffs became fisticuffs, a fist fight.

Last night I watched the movie "In Her Shoes" starring Toni Collette and Cameron Diaz. Now I know Cameron's got a pretty kick ass body but you know, her face sort of creeps me out.

Dialogue

Sarah came over last night to my new apartment. I cooked us up some dinner and we sat around and chatted for a few hours. Our original intention was to eat and then watch a silly movie, but we got to talking so much that we never got to the movie. I don’t mind though because we had such a wonderful, fun conversation. I was reminded last night how much I appreciate my girlfriends and how grateful I am to have people to talk with who communicate in the same manner that I do.

I know guys aren’t always big on verbal communication. They say very little and when they do speak it sometimes comes out all wrong or they say something when they don’t even know what it means. It’s one of the charming characteristics of being male, I guess.

Women, on the other hand, really enjoy sharing stories. They like talking about thoughts and feelings and often find comfort when a girlfriend also shares her thoughts and feelings. I have that sort of relationship with all of my close friends: Laine, Karla, Angie, Jen, etc. We can talk every day for at least an hour and never get bored or tired of the conversations. Whether it’s re-telling an old memory or discussing poker (“I’ll see your four and raise you eight!”) my relationships with my girlfriends is always growing and strengthening through our conversations.

I know I struggle with people who don’t appreciate a good conversation. I have a hard time understanding why someone wouldn’t crave the sharing of thoughts/feelings/opinions. What I need to get through my head is that when I want to have that sort of conversation, instead of turning to a guy friend or a boy friend, I should pick up the phone and call a girlfriend. That’s what they are there for and that’s why I love them all so dearly!

The New Digs

Finally, the website is working! And here are some photos of my new humble abode. Kurt bought me a lovely bouquet of tulips as a housewarming gift. Pua has taken the role of Guard Kitty, making sure all the squirrels on the neighboring trees are behaving themselves.

The Lion King

Juli and Scott went to South Africa for their honeymoon. These photos are incredible.

18-7

We creamed them! I even made it to home plate!!

That Guy

Has anyone else noticed that this guy is in every freakin' commercial on television? His name is Gavin Bellour. He's on Myspace. He's a Scientologist. What a waste...

May the Circle be Unbroken

Last night Ian Moore played Schuba's. I introduced 4 new people to his music! Mike and I, of course, bought our tickets right away but I also brought along Kurt, Jimmy, Jesse, and Amy. And they all loved the show! (Look at me, I'm a Maven!)
It was an incredible show, despite Ian's recent mishaps (computer crashing and Grand-Aunt passing). It was the most crowded show I've been to of his. His fan base must be growing, which is very exciting. Hopefully it will keep him coming back to Chicago.
I was trying to explain to Kurt last night, there is something about the way he sings, it's like his entire self is pouring out music. Often times, when at concerts, I only hear the music coming from the singer's mouth or his hands, but with Ian I hear/feel music coming from everywhere; his voice, feet, body, hands, stance, presence, etc. It's pretty incredible and it's why I look forward to seeing him in concert so much.
Also, and this may sound a bit hokey, but there are certain songs that have such a strong impact on me. It's like I feel emotions stronger when I hear them through music. And personally, I feel God's presence more through song. Some music has the power to make me close my eyes and breathe in the sound.
Ian's last song of the set ended with a rendition of "May the Circle Be Unbroken" and it was so powerful and lovely. I am still singing the song today.

(pics to come later)
Josh - I wish you could have been here for the show! And I hope you can find a way to get Ian's music into Will's films. It's like the best of both worlds!!

Murry - Found out last night that Ian knows Rhett (you Texans like to stick together, I know). I think he's even met you in passing a few times. When are you gonna come grace Chicago with your tunes? xxxooo

What About Brian?

I love this show.
It aired for the first time last week, I believe. I caught the pilot episode and was immediately hooked. First, I love that it's set in L.A. Second, I like the characters and I like how the writers are showing the difficulties in relationships. BUT - I do think the Brian and the best friend's girl will play out like Ross and Rachel on Friends. That could get old.
But I will still be watching this every week. Has anyone else been watching this show?

Blog-Worthy

Nothing really happened this weekend that is blog-worthy. I played catch with Kurt, watched a silly movie, and started to set up my new apartment.

The most exciting parts to my life now are: I am moving this week, the weather is beautiful, and Ian Moore is in concert tomorrow night. But as for this past weekend...nothing is blog-worthy.

Oh wait, Kurt surprised me with tickets to Sigur Ros. That was exciting.

Maybe y'all can can post a comment that says what exciting thing you did this weekend? Someone must have done something that is blog-worthy!

Romantica

Kurt, Andrew and I checked out Romantica's show at the Hideout, last night. I think I scared Ben when I asked how Kimmy was. He must think I'm a stalker. :)

Softball

Softball season has officially started. We had our first practice last night. I need to work on throwing.
Welcome to my every Thursday night for the next 4 months.

They've Reproduced

It's a girl. It's name is Suri. It's creeping me out!!

And the best part...Brooke had a baby girl on the exact same day!! I wonder if the two kiddies will end up cat fighting on Access Hollywood someday. I picture it to look like the Paris and Nicole scandal, only the eruption will be over Tylenol and E-Meters. Ha!

Now there is nothing left to do but wait and see if Katie gets a touch of the baby blues. I would if I were her. Her boyfriend is insane (and I mean a real nut-job), her child is a spawn, and she's trapped in a cult. Yeah, that would make me a bit sad.

Easter Brunch

Here are some photos of the Easter brunch. I was so glad that Amy, Jimmy, and Sarah were able to come!